A study of plaque accumulation and gingival health surrounding stainless steel crowns.

From the findings of the present study the following can be stated: The degree of gingivitis surrounding teeth restored with nonideal stainless steel crowns was significantly higher than that of the entire mouth; however, the gingival status of the crowned teeth was not significantly different from that of unrestored contralateral control teeth. The amount of clinically detectable plaque associated with teeth restored with nonideal stainless steel crowns was not significantly different from that of the entire mouth or that of unrestored contralateral control teeth. A moderate positive correlation existed between the plaque index and the gingival index of teeth restored with nonideal stainless steel crowns; strong positive correlations between the same factors existed for the entire mouth and for the unrestored contralateral control teeth. The majority of stainless steel crowns placed by undergraduate dental students were judged as clinically acceptable. Nevertheless, most exhibited one or more observable defects: errors in marginal crimp and length were most common. In view of the association between nonideal stainless steel crowns and gingivitis, the operator must be meticulous in the placement of stainless steel crowns. Errors in adaptation must be avoided in order to minimize irritating factors and to preserve the health of the gingival tissues.